文化遗产日, a long-standing Ellis tradition that has been held for decades, is a celebration of all 文化s and backgrounds represented by the student body at The Ellis School. Organized by the Ellis Parent Association (EPA), 文化遗产日 is traditionally a day of food, 有趣的, and festivities that brings 学生, 教师, 家庭, and staff together to celebrate and appreciate diversity, 文化, 彼此之间. It's a time to celebrate all the things that make each student their unique self and our pride in our 家庭 and communities, and Ellis employees and 学生 alike enjoyed discussing family histories and learning from each other.

Marshawna山, the parent of an Ellis sixth grader and one of the 文化遗产日 committee chairs, says the event is a great opportunity for 学生 to learn more about their 家庭 and where they come from, and to share their 文化 with their classmates.

“It’s a chance for everyone to become more 文化d, learn about each other and about different places, and even get ideas about places they want to travel to and explore,她分享道。.

This year’s school day celebration included over 36 different countries, with parents serving traditional foods from their countries in Alumnae Hall during lunch periods.

今年新, the celebration continued in the evening to provide an opportunity for 家庭 to come together to celebrate other unique aspects of their 文化s. Families hosted tables to share an activity, 工艺品, or stories from their 文化s with over 200 guests. Table themes and features included Henna art, 排灯节, 俄罗斯民间艺术, food from Uzbekistan, a Moroccan tea ceremony, Han-style Chinese costumes with related books and calligraphy activities, Iraqi food and decor, Korean-American kids' books, cafe de olla with besitos de nuez and a Lotería card game, the history of the Kunitz German Bakery, the 文化 of Guam, and Persian New Year with handmade 工艺品 from Iran.

父母, 学生, and outside groups also shared traditional dances from their 文化s in Janet’s Gym. Throughout the evening, there were Chamorro songs 和舞蹈s from Guam; performances by Pittsburgh-area Irish Dance troupes, with dances led by Ellis 学生; West African dances; and traditional dances from India.

EPA President Sharae Curd says the evening expanded the celebration of 文化 beyond food and allowed for 家庭 that couldn’t participate during the day to also be part of the celebration.

"Heritage Night provides an opportunity for 家庭 to not only enjoy cuisines from other countries but to learn about traditions through the elements of storytelling, 纺织品, 工艺品, 仪式, 和舞蹈,她解释道. "Extending the celebration to the evening gives 家庭 the chance to explore 文化 together and with other 家庭 in the Ellis community.”

The Ellis curriculum creates many opportunities for exploring heritage and 文化, integrating this work into classroom learning and discussions, fostering connection and support through family and student affinity groups, and celebrating through events during the year. Events like 文化遗产日, and Culture Jam which was held earlier in January, are special in that they bring the greater Ellis community together.

"I think 文化遗产日 allows the girls to feel empowered about who they are and who they represent,玛肖娜说. "It broadens their perspective about the world around us. It helps us become more well-rounded. I just think it makes us better people.”